Beshear: No Deal on Pension Reform In Sight, Special Session Becomes More Likely

With no deal and time running out, a special session is becoming more likely for Kentucky lawmakers to reform the underfunded pension programs for state employees, Gov. Steve Beshear said on Tuesday.

It's unlikely that the General Assembly will address pension reform before legislators leave Frankfort after Tuesday for a brief period called the veto break, Beshear said. Legislators have

Two pensions bills aimed at reforming Kentucky's underfunded pension system havebeen locked in a stalemate between both chambers of the state legislature, with both refusing to accept a bill based on procedural technicalities.

While legislative leaders have met routinely since last week on the pension issue, Beshear said they are still far apart—meaning a special session is becoming more likely.

"I would not think these issues would be resolved today," Beshear said. "It's gonna take some more time."

Beshear was reluctant to put a time frame on the pension issue, but said he remains hopeful that negotiations will produce results.

"I think we're making some progress," Beshear said.

"I'm sure that we will continue to have conversations throughout the veto period over the next 10 days or so and I still am hopeful that in the end we'll be able to work both those issues out," he said.

Lawmakers return March 25 and 26 to close out this year's 30 day session.